Linksys WUSB54GC User manual

A Division of Cisco Systems, Inc.

®

Model No.

USB Adapter

Wireless-G

WUSB54GC

User Guide

WIRELESS

GHz

2.4

802.11g

Compact

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Copyright and Trademarks

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Linksys is a registered trademark or trademark of Cisco

rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective

holders.

How to Use this User Guide

This User Guide has been designed to make understanding networking with the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

easier than ever. Look for the following items when reading this User Guide:

In addition to these symbols, there are definitions for technical terms that are presented like this:

Also, each figure (diagram, screenshot, or other image) is provided with a figure number and description, like

this:

Figure numbers and descriptions can also be found in the "List of Figures" section in the “Table of Contents”.

This exclamation point means there is a Caution or warning and is something that

could damage your property or the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.

This checkmark means there is a Note of interest and is something you should

pay special attention to while using the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.

This question mark provides you with a reminder about something you might need

to do while using the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.

word: definition.

Figure 0-1: Sample Figure Description

WUSB54Gv4-UG-50418NC BW

WARNING: This product contains chemicals, including lead, known

to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Welcome 1

What’s in this Guide? 2

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network 4

Network Topology 4

Roaming 4

Network Layout 5

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter 6

The LED Indicators 6

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter 7

Starting the Setup Wizard 7

Connecting the Adapter 8

Setting Up the Adapter 9

Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor 23

Accessing the Wireless Network Monitor 23

Link Information Screens 23

SecureEasySetup 26

Site Survey 28

Profiles 29

Creating a New Profile 30

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 44

Common Problems and Solutions 44

Frequently Asked Questions 45

Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration 48

Appendix C: Wireless Security 51

Security Precautions 51

Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks 51

Appendix D: Windows Help 54

Appendix E: Glossary 55

Appendix F: Warranty Information 60

Appendix G: Specifications 61

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Appendix H: Regulatory Information 63

Appendix I: Contact Information 69

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

List of Figures

Figure 3-1: Front Panel 6

Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen 7

Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement 7

Figure 4-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen 8

Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network 9

Figure 4-5: Available Wireless Network 10

Figure 4-6: SecureEasySetup 10

Figure 4-7: The SecureEasySetup Logo and Location 10

Figure 4-8: SecureEasySetup Complete 11

Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Network 12

Figure 4-10: WEP Key Needed for Connection 12

Figure 4-11: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 13

Figure 4-12: PSK2 Needed for Connection 13

Figure 4-13: The Congratulations Screen 14

Figure 4-14: Available Wireless Network 15

Figure 4-15: Network Settings 15

Figure 4-16: Wireless Mode 16

Figure 4-17: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 16

Figure 4-18: Wireless Security 17

Figure 4-19: Wireless Security - WEP 17

Figure 4-20: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 18

Figure 4-21: Wireless Security - PSK2 18

Figure 4-22: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 19

Figure 4-23: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 19

Figure 4-24: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 20

Figure 4-25: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 20

Figure 4-26: Wireless Security - LEAP 21

Figure 4-27: Confirm New Settings 22

Figure 4-28: Congratulations 22

Figure 5-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 23

Figure 5-2: Link Information 23

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Figure 5-3: More Information - Wireless Network Status 24

Figure 5-4: More Information - Wireless Network Statistics 25

Figure 5-5: The SecureEasySetup Button 26

Figure 5-6: The SecureEasySetup Logo and Location 26

Figure 5-7: SecureEasySetup 26

Figure 5-8: SecureEasySetup is Complete 27

Figure 5-9: Site Survey 28

Figure 5-10: WEP Key Needed for Connection 28

Figure 5-11: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 28

Figure 5-12: PSK2 Needed for Connection 29

Figure 5-13: Profiles 29

Figure 5-14: Import a Profile 29

Figure 5-15: Export a Profile 30

Figure 5-16: Create a New Profile 30

Figure 5-17: Available Wireless Network 30

Figure 5-18: Available Wireless Network 31

Figure 5-19: The SecureEasySetup Logo and Location 31

Figure 5-20: SecureEasySetup 31

Figure 5-21: SecureEasySetup Complete 32

Figure 5-22: Available Wireless Network 33

Figure 5-23: WEP Key Needed for Connection 33

Figure 5-24: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection 34

Figure 5-25: PSK2 Needed for Connection 34

Figure 5-26: The Congratulations Screen 35

Figure 5-27: Available Wireless Network 35

Figure 5-28: Network Settings 36

Figure 5-29: Wireless Mode 36

Figure 5-30: Ad-Hoc Mode Settings 37

Figure 5-31: Wireless Security 37

Figure 5-32: Wireless Security - WEP 38

Figure 5-33: Wireless Security - WPA Personal 39

Figure 5-34: Wireless Security - PSK2 39

Figure 5-35: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - EAP-TLS 40

Figure 5-36: Wireless Security - WPA Enterprise - PEAP 40

Figure 5-37: Wireless Security - RADIUS - EAP-TLS 41

Figure 5-38: Wireless Security - RADIUS - PEAP 41

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Figure 5-39: LEAP 42

Figure 5-40: Confirm New Settings 43

Figure 5-41: The Congratulations Screen 43

Figure B-1: Wireless Network Monitor Icon 48

Figure B-2: Windows XP - Use Windows XP Wireless Configuration 48

Figure B-3: Windows XP Wireless Configuration Icon 48

Figure B-4: Available Wireless Network 49

Figure B-5: No Wireless Security 49

Figure B-6: Network Connection - Wireless Security 50

Figure B-7: Wireless Network Connection 50

1

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome

Thank you for choosing the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter. With this Adapter, your wireless networking

experience will be faster and easier than ever.

How does the Adapter do this? Like all wireless products, the Adapter allows for greater range and mobility

within your wireless network. Connecting to your PC via the USB port means that this Adapter leaves the PC’s

slots open for other purposes. This adapter communicates over the 802.11g wireless standard, one of the newest

wireless standards, to communicate with your network.

But what does all of this mean?

Networks are useful tools for sharing computer resources. You can access one printer from different computers

and access data located on another computer's hard drive. Networks are even used for playing multiplayer video

games. So, networks are not only useful in homes and offices, they can also be fun.

PCs equipped with wireless cards and adapters can communicate without cumbersome cables. By sharing the

same wireless settings, within their transmission radius, they form a wireless network.

And now, with SecureEasySetup, setting up your network and your Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter is easier

than ever.

Use the instructions in this Guide to help you connect the Adapter, set it up, and configure it for your network.

These instructions should be all you need to get the most out of the Adapter.

802.11g: an IEEE wireless networking standard that specifies a

maximum data transfer rate of 54Mbps, an operating frequency

of 2.4GHz, and backward compatibility with 802.11b devices.

adapter: a device that adds network functionality to your PC.

network: a series of computers or devices

connected for the purpose of data sharing, storage,

and/or transmission between users.

2

Chapter 1: Introduction

What’s in this Guide?

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

What’s in this Guide?

This user guide covers the steps for setting up and using the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter.

• Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter describes the Adapter’s applications and this User Guide.

• Chapter 2: Planning Your Wireless Network

This chapter discusses a few of the basics about wireless networking.

• Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact USB Adapter

This chapter describes the physical features of the Adapter.

• Chapter 3: Setting Up and Connecting the USB Adapter

This chapter shows you how to setup and connect the Adapter.

• Chapter 4: Using the Wireless Network Monitor

This chapter show you how to use the Adapter’s Wireless Network Monitor.

• Appendix A: Troubleshooting

This appendix describes some problems and solutions, as well as frequently asked questions, regarding

installation and use of the Adapter.

• Appendix B: Using Windows XP Wireless Configuration

This appendix describes how Windows XP users can use Window’s built-in wireless configuration to monitor

their Adapter.

• Appendix C: Wireless Security

This appendix discusses security issues regarding wireless networking and measures you can take to help

protect your wireless network.

• Appendix D: Windows Help

This appendix describes how you can use Windows Help for instructions about networking, such as installing

the TCP/IP protocol.

• Appendix E: Glossary

This appendix gives a brief glossary of terms frequently used in networking.

• Appendix F: Specifications

This appendix provides the Adapter’s technical specifications.

3

Chapter 1: Introduction

What’s in this Guide?

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

• Appendix G: Warranty Information

This appendix supplies the Adapter’s warranty information.

• Appendix H: Regulatory Information

This appendix supplies the Adapter’s regulatory information.

• Appendix I: Contact Information

This appendix provides contact information for a variety of Linksys resources, including Technical Support.

4

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Topology

A wireless network is a group of computers, each equipped with one wireless adapter. Computers in a wireless

network must be configured to share the same radio channel. Several PCs equipped with wireless cards or

adapters can communicate with one another to form an ad-hoc network.

Linksys wireless adapters also provide users access to a wired network when using an access point or wireless

router. An integrated wireless and wired network is called an infrastructure network. Each wireless PC in an

infrastructure network can talk to any computer in a wired network infrastructure via the access point or wireless

router.

An infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a wireless PC to a wired network, and can double the

effective wireless transmission range for two wireless adapter PCs. Since an access point is able to forward data

within a network, the effective transmission range in an infrastructure network can be doubled.

Roaming

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. Roaming means that you can move your

wireless PC within your network and the access points will pick up the wireless PC's signal, providing that they

both share the same channel and SSID.

Before enabling you consider roaming, choose a feasible radio channel and optimum access point position.

Proper access point positioning combined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

access point: device that allows wireless-

equipped computers and other devices to

communicate with a wired network.

ad-hoc: a group of wireless devices

communicating directly with each other (peer-

to-peer) without the use of an access point

infrastructure: Configuration in which a

wireless network is bridged to a wired

network via an access point.

roaming: the ability to take a wireless

device from one access point's range to

another without losing the connection.

ssid: your wireless network’s name

5

Chapter 2: Planning your Wireless Network

Network Layout

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Network Layout

Linksys wireless access points and wireless routers have been designed for use with 802.11a, 802.11b, and

802.11g products. With 802.11g products communicating with the 802.11b standard and some products

incorporating both “a” and “g”, products using these standards can communicate with each other.

Access points and wireless routers are compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g adapters, such at the PC

Cards for your laptop computers, PCI Card for your desktop PC, and USB Adapters for when you want to enjoy USB

connectivity. Wireless products will also communicate with the wireless PrintServer.

When you wish to connect your wired network with your wireless network, network ports on access points and

wireless routers can be connected to any of Linksys's switches or routers.

With these, and many other, Linksys products, your networking options are limitless. Go to the Linksys website at

www.linksys.com for more information about wireless products.

802.11b: an IEEE wireless networking standard

that specifies a maximum data transfer rate of

11Mbps and an operating frequency of 2.4GHz.

switch: device that is the central point of connection for

computers and other devices in a network, so data can

be shared at full transmission speeds.

router: a networking device that connects multiple networks

together, such as a local network and the Internet.

6

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

The LED Indicators

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Chapter 3: Getting to Know the Compact Wireless-G USB

Adapter

The LED Indicators

The Adapter's LEDs display information about network activity.

Link Green. The Link LED flashes when there is network activity.

Figure 3-1: Front Panel

7

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Starting the Setup Wizard

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

The USB Adapter is set up with the Setup Wizard that comes on the CD enclosed with the Adapter. This chapter

will guide you through the setup procedure.

Starting the Setup Wizard

To begin the setup process, insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should

run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run.

In the field that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).

On the Welcome screen, you have the following choices:

Click Here to Start - Click the Click Here to Start button to begin the software installation process.

User Guide - Click the User Guide button to open this User Guide.

Exit - Click Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.

1. To install the Adapter, click the Click Here to Start button on the Welcome screen.

2. After reading the License Agreement, click Next if you agree and want to continue the installation, or click

Cancel to end the installation.

3. Windows will begin copying the files onto your PC.

Figure 4-1: Setup Wizard’s Welcome Screen

Figure 4-2: Setup Wizard’s License Agreement

IMPORTANT: Do not connect the Adapter until you are instructed to

do so or the setup will not work.

8

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Connecting the Adapter

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

4. The Setup Wizard will now prompt you to connect the Adapter to your PC’s USB port. Once you’ve connect,

click Next.

5. Windows 98SE and ME users will need to restart their PCs.

Connecting the Adapter

1. Connect the Adapter’s connector to one of the USB ports on your computer.

Figure 4-3: The Connecting the Adapter Screen

9

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter

The next screen to appear will be the Available Wireless Network screen.

This screen provides three options for setting up the Adapter

• SecureEasySetup. This Adapter features SecureEasySetup. This means that you can set it up with just the

press of a button when connecting to wireless routers or access points that also feature SecureEasySetup.

Both devices on the network must feature SecureEasySetup for this to work.

• Available Wireless Network. (For most users.) Use this option if you already have a network set up with

devices that do not have SecureEasySetup. The networks available to this Adapter will be listed on this

screen. You can choose one of these networks and click the Connect button to connect to it. Click the

Refresh button to update the Available Wireless Network list.

• Manual Setup. If you are not taking advantage of SecureEasySetup and your network is not listed on this

screen, select Manual Setup to set up the adapter manually. This method of setting up the Adapter is

intended for Advanced Users only.

The setup for each option is described, step by step, under the appropriate heading on the following pages.

Click Exit to close the Setup Wizard, if you wish to set up the Adapter later.

Figure 4-4: Available Wireless Network

10

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup

With SecureEasySetup, setting up the Adapter is as simple as pushing a couple of buttons. Before you press any

buttons, though, you should locate the SecureEasySetup button on the device you’re connecting the Adapter to,

such as a wireless router or access point.

1. Starting from the Available Wireless Network screen, click the SecureEasySetup button on the right hand

side.

2. You will be asked to locate the SecureEasySetup button on the device with which the Adapter will be

communicating. If you are not sure where to find this button, click Where can I find the button?.

This will walk you through a couple of screens to help you find the button, which is usually located on the

front of the wireless router or access point.

Figure 4-5: Available Wireless Network

Figure 4-6: SecureEasySetup

Figure 4-7: The SecureEasySetup Logo and Location

11

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

3. Press the Cisco logo or SecureEasySetup button on the wireless router or access point. When it turns white

and begins to flash, click the Next button on the Setup Wizard screen. The logo or button will stop flashing on

the wireless router or access point when the Adapter has been successfully added to the network. Repeat

this procedure for any additional SecureEasySetup device.

4. When SecureEasySetup is complete, you may save your configuration to a text file by clicking the Save

button, or print the configuration by clicking the Print button. Click Connect to Network to connect to your

network.

Congratulations! Setup is complete.

To check the link information, search for available wireless networks, or make additional configuration

changes, refer to Chapter 5: Using the Wireless Network Monitor.

NOTE: You can only add one SecureEasySetup device at a time.

Figure 4-8: SecureEasySetup Complete

12

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter with Available Networks

If you’re not setting up the Adapter with SecureEasySetup, another method for setting up the Adapter is with the

available networks listed on the Available Wireless Network screen. The available networks are listed in the table

on the center of the screen by SSID. Select the wireless network you wish to connect to and click the Connect

button. (If you do not see your network listed, you can click the Refresh button to bring the list up again.) If the

network utilizes wireless security, you will need to configure security on the Adapter. If not, you will be taken

directly to the Congratulations screen.

1. If wireless security has been enabled on this network, you will see a wireless security screen. If your network

utilizes WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption, the WEP Key Needed for Connection screen will appear. If

your network utilizes WPA-Personal (Wi-Fi Protected Access) encryption, the WPA-Personal Needed for

Connection screen will appear. If your network utilizes PSK2 (Pre-Shared Key 2) encryption, the PSK2 Needed

for Connection screen will appear.

WEP Key Needed for Connection

Select 64-bit or 128-bit.

Then, enter a passphrase or WEP key.

Passphrase - Enter a passphrase in the Passphrase field, so a WEP key is automatically generated. The

passphrase is case-sensitive and should not be longer than 16 alphanumeric characters. It must match the

passphrase of your other wireless network devices and is compatible with Linksys wireless products only. (If

you have any non-Linksys wireless products, enter the WEP key manually on those products.)

WEP Key - The WEP key you enter must match the WEP key of your wireless network. For 64-bit encryption,

enter exactly 10 hexadecimal characters. For 128-bit encryption, enter exactly 26 hexadecimal characters.

Valid hexadecimal characters are “0” to “9” and “A” to “F”.

Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

Figure 4-9: Available Wireless Network

Figure 4-10: WEP Key Needed for Connection

wep (wired equivalent privacy): a method of encrypting network

data transmitted on a wireless network for greater security.

encryption: encoding data transmitted in a network.

13

Chapter 4: Setting up and Connecting the USB Adapter

Setting Up the Adapter

Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter

WPA-Personal Needed for Connection

Encryption - Select the type of algorithm you want to use, TKIP or AES, from the Encryption drop-down

menu.

Passphrase - Enter a Passphrase, also called a pre-shared key, of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.

Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

PSK2 Needed for Connection

Enter a Passphrase of 8-63 characters in the Passphrase field.

Then, click Connect and proceed to the Congratulations screen. To cancel the connection, click Cancel.

Figure 4-11: WPA-Personal Needed for Connection

Figure 4-12: PSK2 Needed for Connection

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Linksys WUSB54GC User manual

Linksys WUSB54GC User manual

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